Survival statistics for anal cancer

Survival statistics for anal cancer are very general estimates and must be interpreted very carefully. Because these statistics are based on the experience of groups of people, they cannot be used to predict a particular person’s chances of survival.

There are many different ways to measure and report cancer survival statistics. Your doctor can explain the statistics for anal cancer and what they mean to you.

Relative survival

Relative survival looks at how likely people with cancer are to survive after their diagnosis compared to people in the general population who do not have cancer, but who share similar characteristics (such as age and sex).

In Canada, a 5-year relative survival statistic is reported for anal cancer. The 5-year relative survival for anal cancer is 62%. This means that, on average, people diagnosed with anal cancer are 62% as likely to live 5 years after their diagnosis as people in the general population.

Survival by stage

Survival varies with each stage of anal cancer. Generally, the earlier anal cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.

There are no specific Canadian statistics available for the different stages of anal cancer. The following information comes from a variety of sources and includes statistics from other countries.

Anal cancer survival

Stage

Description

5-year relative survival

stage I or stage II (localized)

The cancer is only in the anal canal or perianal skin.

80%

stage III (regional)

The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or structures.

59–80%

stage IV (distant)

The cancer has spread to other parts of the body farther from the anus.

10–31%

Questions about survival

People with cancer should talk to their doctor about their prognosis. Prognosis depends on many factors, including:

your health history

type of cancer

stage

characteristics of the cancer

treatments chosen

response to treatment

Only a doctor familiar with these factors can put all of this information together with survival statistics to arrive at a prognosis.